better effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt that is improved or more effective than previous efforts. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe we can achieve a better effort in our next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hopefully we'll get a much better effort".

The New York Times

"I'd like to see better effort on the court".

The New York Times

"We want to come out with a better effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Washington Coach Ron Wilson insisted on a better effort.

The Washington Post

"We just have to make a better effort to be more efficient," he said.

The New York Times

"I don't know if anyone gave a better effort than Carter, Manuell said.

The New York Times

"It was a better effort from us," said the Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've got to find better effort across the board," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We needed to come back with a better effort and it just didn't happen tonight".

The New York Times

"We go home and we come out with a better effort," Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin said.

The Guardian - Sport

And he wants a better effort made to account for Serbs who are missing in Kosovo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better effort" when you want to inspire someone to improve their approach or performance, indicating that you believe they are capable of more.

Common error

Don't just demand a "better effort" without specifying what 'better' looks like. Unclear expectations can lead to frustration and a lack of progress. Provide concrete examples or goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better effort" functions as a noun phrase, where 'better' modifies the noun 'effort'. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. The phrase typically serves to describe a need for improvement or a desire for a more effective attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better effort" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage or demand improved performance. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely applicable across various contexts, but is particularly frequent in news, sports, and general communication. To ensure clear communication, it is important to specify the areas of improvement when using this phrase. While alternatives like "improved attempt" or "greater endeavor" exist, "better effort" remains a straightforward and universally understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improved attempt

Directly states that the attempt is superior to a previous one.

greater endeavor

Focuses on the intensity and scale of the attempt.

enhanced performance

Highlights the outcome and the quality of execution.

superior execution

Highlights the higher quality of carrying out a task.

heightened commitment

Emphasizes the increased level of dedication.

increased dedication

Emphasizes the commitment and focus applied to the task.

more focused energy

Highlights concentrated effort and intention.

more diligent work

Focuses on the careful and persistent nature of the effort.

more spirited attempt

Emphasizes enthusiasm and energy in the effort.

stronger push

Focuses on forceful action and momentum.

FAQs

How can I use "better effort" in a sentence?

You can use "better effort" when you want to suggest someone to improve their performance or try harder than before. For example, "The coach asked the team for a "better effort" in the second half of the game."

What's a more formal way to say "better effort"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "improved attempt", "enhanced performance", or "greater endeavor".

Is it always appropriate to ask for a "better effort"?

While it's often appropriate, consider the context and the individual's current capacity. If someone is already giving their all, asking for a "better effort" might be demotivating. Instead, focus on providing support and resources.

What are some alternatives to "better effort" that emphasize dedication?

If you want to highlight dedication, consider using phrases like "increased dedication", "heightened commitment", or "more diligent work".